Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters

Rothman, Nathaniel; Ford, D. Patrick; Baser, Michael E.; Hansen, James; O'Toole, Therese E.; Tockman, M. S.; Strickland, Paul T.

doi:10.1097/00043764-199111000-00013

Cited by 77 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…These findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown an increase in respiratory symptoms, including nasal irritation, cough, sputum production and wheezing [24,41]. The clinical importance of this respiratory irritation may be minor in the present study population, which was comprised of health subjects with no underlying respiratory conditions.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Wood smoke exposure induces a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in firefighters

Swiston

Davidson²,

Attridge³

et al. 2008

Eur Respir J

202

172

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Epidemiological studies report an association between exposure to biomass smoke and cardiopulmonary morbidity. The mechanisms for this association are unclear. The aim of the present study was to characterise the acute pulmonary and systemic inflammatory effects of exposure to forest fire smoke.Seasonal forest firefighters (n552) were recruited before and/or after a day of fire-fighting. Exposure was assessed by questionnaires and measurement of carbon monoxide levels (used to estimate respirable particulate matter exposure). The pulmonary response was assessed by questionnaires, spirometry and sputum induction. Peripheral blood cell counts and inflammatory cytokines were measured to define the systemic response.Estimated respirable particulate matter exposure was high (peak levels .2 mg?m ). Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels significantly increased following fire-fighting. There were no changes in band cells, IL-6, and IL-8 following strenuous physical exertion without fire-fighting. There was a significant association between changes in sputum macrophages containing phagocytosed particles and circulating band cells.In conclusion, acute exposure to air pollution from forest fire smoke elicits inflammation within the lungs, as well as a systemic inflammatory response.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Wood smoke exposure induces a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in firefighters

Swiston

Davidson²,

Attridge³

et al. 2008

Eur Respir J

202

172

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Although there is evidence for abnormal spirometry (25,26), airway inflammation (27), or hyperreactivity (28,29) in case series and smaller cohorts after irritant exposures, there are only occasional reports that describe changes in such parameters from before to after an exposure for more than a few persons (30)(31)(32). The largest relevant non-WTC study reported FEV 1 decrements as large as 130 ml during a fire season in 52 wildland firefighters (32). In a prior stratified sample of 319 WTC-exposed FDNY firefighters, we reported a mean FEV 1 reduction of 264 ml from the last measurement before to the first measurement after 09/11/2001 (3).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pulmonary Function after Exposure to the World Trade Center Collapse in the New York City Fire Department

Banauch

Hall

Weiden

et al. 2006

Am J Respir Crit Care Med

149

126

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“…Effects on firefighters may be acute, subchronic, or chronic and are typically associated with acute decreases in respiratory function with increasing exposure (Barboni et al, 2010;Miranda et al, 1994Miranda et al, , 2010Reinhardt et al, 2001;Slaughter et al, 2004;Ward et al, 1973). Several studies have concluded that exposure to smoke from prescribed burning is associated with significant degeneration in lung function (Materna et al, 1992;Malilay, 1999;Mustajbegovic et al, 2001;Liu et al, 1992;Reinhardt et al, 2000;Rothman et al, 1991), while others found less significant degeneration (Betchley et al, 1997;Slaughter et al, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantification of volatile organic compounds in smoke from prescribed burning and comparison with occupational exposure limits

Romagnoli

Barboni

Santoni

et al. 2014

Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.

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Abstract. Prescribed burning represents a serious threat to personnel fighting fires due to smoke inhalation. The aim of this study was to investigate exposure by foresters to smoke from prescribed burning, focusing on exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The methodology for smoke sampling was first evaluated. Potentially dangerous compounds were identified among the VOCs emitted by smoke fires at four prescribed burning plots located around Corsica. The measured mass concentrations for several toxic VOCs were generally higher than those measured in previous studies due to the experimental framework (short sampling distance between the foresters and the flame, low combustion, wet vegetation). In particular, benzene, phenol and furfural exceeded the legal short-term exposure limits published in Europe and/or the United States. Other VOCs such as toluene, ethybenzene or styrene remained below the exposure limits. In conclusion, clear and necessary recommendations were made for protection of personnel involved in fighting fires.

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Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters

Cited by 77 publications

References 7 publications

Wood smoke exposure induces a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in firefighters

Wood smoke exposure induces a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in firefighters

Pulmonary Function after Exposure to the World Trade Center Collapse in the New York City Fire Department

Quantification of volatile organic compounds in smoke from prescribed burning and comparison with occupational exposure limits

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